Leads from ExxonMobil, Tetra, Chevron, Equinor and Standard Lithium help select global companies for ALTA cohorts
Little Rock, Ark. [December 9, 2025] – The Venture Center today announced the formation of a new Technical Advisory Council (TAC) supporting the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA) — the nation’s first accelerator dedicated to lithium and battery-supply-chain innovation. Composed of senior technology and operations leaders across the global energy and critical minerals sectors, the Council provides expert evaluation and selection support for emerging lithium and battery-focused startups participating in ALTA’s cohorts.
The launch of ALTA’s second cohort this month reflects the Council’s early impact. Drawing from their deep experience in extraction, water management, advanced materials, and downstream battery technologies, TAC members help ensure that companies selected for ALTA represent the most promising solutions for developing a resilient U.S.-based lithium-ion supply chain.
“ExxonMobil is proud to support ALTA,” said Sanket Desai, Director of Lithium Technology Portfolio for ExxonMobil. “Arkansas is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of creating domestic lithium and graphite industries, and ExxonMobil is excited to be part of that journey supporting next-generation technology providers.”
The Council’s inaugural members include:
- Sanket Desai, Director of Lithium Technology Portfolio, ExxonMobil
- Henry Landry, Vice President of Lithium Ventures, Tetra
- Lynn Rouse, Director, Chevron Studio & Strategic Relationship Manager, Chevron
- Allison Kennedy Thurmond, Vice President North America Lithium, Equinor
- Chad Martin, Vice President of U.S. Operations, Standard Lithium
Council members also play a key role in helping The Venture Center identify global innovators to bring to Arkansas for pilot development and commercialization — supporting the state’s growing role in domestic critical minerals production.
“Building on Equinor’s history of industry innovation, we are happy to serve on the ALTA Technical Advisory Council,” said Allison Kennedy Thurmond, Vice President of North America Lithium for Equinor. “We believe it is important to find new innovators to help fuel the growth of the global critical minerals industry beginning with Lithium in Arkansas.”
Lynn Rouse, Strategic Relationship Manager with Chevron, added: “I’m excited to collaborate with ALTA, which connects breakthrough innovation with Arkansas opportunities, helping to build a more resilient domestic lithium supply chain in the United States.”
In addition to the Council, ALTA is led by a cross-sector Programming Team responsible for accelerator operations, curriculum, and cohort support. Programming Team members include Venture Center staff and ALTA co-founders:
- Jesse Edmondson, Director of Government Relations, Standard Lithium
- Erik Pollock, Geoscientist and Director of the Isotope Lab, University of Arkansas–Fayetteville
Their combined leadership ensures that cohort companies receive world-class support, from producer meetings and pilot-planning workshops to investor engagement and research integration.
“I’m proud to serve on the new ALTA Technical Advisory Council, especially in light of TETRA’s newest investments in South Arkansas,” said Henry Landry, Vice President of Essential Minerals for Tetra. “Identifying promising technology providers for different parts of the Lithium-ion supply chain is a must-do in order to truly begin building a new Lithium economy for America.”
ALTA is additionally supported by a coalition of statewide industry and academic partners including Standard Lithium and other producers, the University of Arkansas, South Arkansas College, and Southern Arkansas University, as well as funding support from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Walton Family Foundation.
To learn more about ALTA and the accelerator’s 2025 programming, visit venturecenter.co.
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About The Venture Center
The Venture Center is a globally recognized Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) based in Arkansas. It supports entrepreneurs in building successful, high-growth businesses through world-class mentorship, programming, and investor connections, fueling economic growth in Arkansas and beyond. Learn more at www.venturecenter.co.
For more information, contact:
Viktoria Capek
viktoria.capek@venturecenter.co